Final answer:
Aerobic exercise relies on oxygen for energy metabolism and includes activities like running and swimming, which can be sustained for long durations due to the efficiency of aerobic respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kind of exercise that depends on continuously inspired oxygen to assist in energy metabolism is aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, involves physical activities of low to high intensity that rely on the aerobic energy-generating process. This process requires free oxygen to meet energy demands during exercise, allowing activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and walking to be performed for an extended period of time. The benefits of aerobic exercise include improved cardiovascular health, increased aerobic capacity, and greater overall endurance.
Aerobic respiration is vital for aerobic exercises since it is much more efficient than anaerobic glycolysis, yielding about 36 ATPs per molecule of glucose compared to just four. For aerobic respiration to be sustained, a steady supply of O₂ to the skeletal muscle is necessary, which is facilitated by myoglobin in the muscles and an efficient circulatory system.